Dear Sun Spots: Please, if anyone has a Bliss College catalogue from 1971-1972 in the attic I need a copy for the registrar of the college where I’m going to start in a few weeks. They need course descriptions for math and English. My phone (407) 699-4451. Please call collect if you have something to offer. I will, of course, pay costs, as I live in Florida now. Thank you. – Jerry Harris, Casselberry, Fl.

Dear Sun Spots: I have a knitting machine, and when I needed parts or accessories I would buy it from a lady by the name of Mrs. Grant. She moved and another lady took over selling stuff for the knitting machines.

I need to know this other lady’s name or how I could get hold of her. Maybe you or your readers could help. I can be reached at (207) 784-8829. – N. Poisson, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: Are there any local stores that carry kerchiefs? I asked at Kmart last week and all they had were knit hats and scarves.

Also, would you have an address from Washington for getting birthday cards from the president? Thank you for an informative column. – M.E. Breton, No Town.

Answer: For the cards, contact The Greetings Office, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, D.C. 20500.

Please note the following guidelines:

• The White House will send greetings to United States citizens only, for special occasions as outlined below.

• Your request must be received six (6) weeks in advance of the event date. The office makes every effort to honor requests, but cannot guarantee a greeting if this guideline is not met. (Greetings are generally not sent after the event date, except for wedding congratulations and newborn acknowledgments.)

• Anniversary greetings are extended only to those couples who are celebrating their 50th (and subsequent) wedding anniversary.

• Birthday greetings will be sent only to individuals 80 years of age and above.

• A limited number of special occasions other than birthdays and anniversaries exist for which the Greetings Office will send appropriate recognition to United States citizens. These occasions include important events such as:

Wedding (send your request after the event).

Baby’s birth (must be born during the George W. Bush administration; send request after baby’s birth).

Eagle Scout Award.

Girl Scout Gold Award.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah or equivalent occasion.

• Please include the following in your request: name and home address of honoree(s), form of address (Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr., Miss, etc.), exact date of occasion (month, day, year), age (birthdays) or number of years of marriage, your (the requester’s) name and daytime phone number. For wedding (include couple’s married names and current or new address). Baby’s birth (include baby’s date of birth and full names and address of baby and parents).

• In most cases, greetings will be mailed from the White House approximately 10 days prior to the event.

Here’s some fun trivia you might enjoy:

In England, when you reach 80, 90 or 100 years of age, you receive a telegram from the queen.

In Japan, usually only the birthdays of 60, 70, 79, 88, and 99 rate gifts. Also, gifts consisting of less than 10 items in a set should be given in odd numbers (tea cups are sold in sets of five). Avoid the numbers 4 and 9, in general. White gift wrap is associated with death (so is four of something).

Germans take birthdays seriously, sometimes receiving a half-day of vacation.

In China, small birthday gifts are given by family and friends. Age 30 is considered becoming an adult (there’s quite a celebration). For men, age 60 is usually combined with retirement (for those doing physical labor). Don’t give clocks as gifts (the Mandarin word for clock is similar to one for death). Avoid wrapping the gift using white, black or blue colors.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Inform Us section under Press Release.

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